Winter: Trenton Farmers Market Part 1

[Known]

Hey everyone. I have a body of work under the title "Winter: Trenton Farmers Market". All the images are taken at a struggling farmers market in central New Jersey. I had the opportunity to talk with the local farmers about sustainability and the market and much of what they said will be put into the picture descriptions. The stories behind the images are worth while which is why I chose to put them in italics under the photos.


Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark ii
ISO: 400
Apature: f/22
Speed: 1/60

I am particularly interested in local growers in NJ, specifically, how they are able to sustain themselves in this economy, in this country of vast walmarts and supermarkets, and in the winter. The survival of markets like this seem to depend on local families coming back generation after generation whilst encouraging younger generations to keep up the trend. The merchants at the markets (many of whom have been coming their whole life) survive through surprising marketing adaptability. One woman I photographed spoke about how the (now much smaller) portioning of apples in baskets has contributed to her survivability. Still, every year sales continue to dip.


Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark ii
ISO: 640
Apature: 4.0
Speed: 1/60

An all too common sight at the market. Many of the shops had usually limited hours or were simply vacant.


Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark ii
ISO: 1250
Apature: f/5.6
Speed: 1/60

A man makes a selection at a large Deli located in the Farmers market. Brandishing mainly packaged meats and packaged food items it's sustainability is more guaranteed than other merchants in the area. Though unlike supermarkets it is undeniably local.


Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark ii
ISO: 640
Apature: f/4
Speed: 1/60

In a corner tucked away sat this piano, just beyond a large refrigerator. The gentleman who it belonged to had been gotten married at this location two years prior. His personality was as animated and colorful as this photo depicts, and in many ways this photo is a portrait of the man. He told me of the history of the farmers market, played the 'peanuts' theme song on the piano (also his wedding song) and wished my luck on my way.

[PhotogAve]

Your stories are very interesting, and the photo's themselves have a very telling story as well.

Two and three are my favorites.

[Preacherman]

Very interesting. I hope you got shots of some of the characters themselves. That would be really interesting to see the people whose tenacity and determination to keep going against all the odds help them to survive. Thanks for these. PAUL

[Xtrah]

Great shots with real stories behind them. You have captured life, and not only life, but you have captured reality. I really enjoyed the final shot, all the shots together make a cohesive set, which gives a benefit to all the shots. Great job and thanks for sharing about this niche of life.

[angeleyes216]

The second photo says it all...i think its sad that the little mum and dad business are closing down and we have to resort to what is left which is the big supermarkets etc...like we dont have a choice anymore.I dont know how these people manage to set up week after week when things are so tough but i guess something inside keeps them going.
I use to love visiting the markets each weekend. There was something special about them, produce was fresh, people were happy browsing the stalls, vendors got to know the regulars..it wasnt cold and impersonal and you could tell from the faces and hands that a lot of hard work went into producing their goods.
I really enjoyed this set of photos and the story you added. thanks for sharing them.

Lorraine